LSU Tigers football

LSU Tigers football
2013 LSU Tigers football team
First season	1893 (1893)
Athletic director	Joe Alleva
Head coach	Les Miles 9th year, 85–21–0  (.802)
Home stadium	Tiger Stadium (LSU)
Stadium capacity	92,542
Stadium surface	Grass
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Conference	SEC (1932–present)
Division	SEC Western Division (1992–present)
Past conferences	Independent (1893–1895) Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1896–1921) Southern Conference (1922–1932)
All-time record	743–392–47 (.648)
Postseason bowl record	22–21–1
Claimed national titles	3 (1958, 2003, 2007)
Unclaimed national titles	5 (1908, 1935, 1936, 1962, 2011)
National Finalist	3 (2003, 2007, 2011)
Conference titles	14
Division titles	8
Heisman winners	1
Consensus All-Americans	27
Current uniform
Colors	Purple and Gold
Fight song	Fight for LSU
Mascot	Mike the Tiger
Marching band	Golden Band from Tigerland
Rivals	Alabama Crimson Tide Arkansas Razorbacks Auburn Tigers Florida Gators Ole Miss Rebels Texas A&M Aggies Tulane Green Wave
Website	LSUSports.net

The LSU Tigers football team, also known as the Fighting Tigers or Bayou Bengals, represents Louisiana State University in the sport of American football. The Tigers compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Current head coach Les Miles has led the team since 2005. LSU enters the 2013 season with 743 victories, the 11th most in NCAA history, and the 4th most of any SEC team, behind only Alabama (827), Tennessee (799), and Georgia (759). The Tigers also have the 11th highest winning percentage among teams with at least 1,000 games played. LSU won the BCS National Championship in 2004 (2003 season) with a 21–14 win over Oklahoma in the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, and victory in the 2008 (2007 season) BCS National Championship Game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes with a 38–24 score, thus becoming the first team since the advent of the BCS to win multiple BCS national titles. LSU has been featured in a game with ESPN College GameDay on location a total of 20 times, and the show has aired from Baton Rouge a total of 9 times. The Tigers have now made at least one appearance on the popular show in each of the past 10 seasons.

Championships

National championships

The NCAA's website states that "the NCAA does not conduct a national championship in Division I-A football and is not involved in the selection process." It goes on to say that "a number of polling organizations provide a final ranking of Division I-A football teams at the end of each season." LSU officially claims three national championships (1958, 2003 & 2007); however, the school has been recognized as national champions by polling organizations on five additional occasions: 1908 (National Championship Foundation), 1935 (Williamson System), 1936 (Williamson System, Sagarin Ratings), 1962 (Berryman-QPRS), and 2011 (Anderson & Hester, Congrove Computer Rankings). (The NCAA officially changed the "I-A" designation to the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2006.) In the 2007 season, LSU became the first Collegiate Football program to win the BCS National Championship Game twice and the second Collegiate Football program to win the National Collegiate Football Championship with multiple losses with a 12–2 record.

Year	Coach	Selector	Record	Bowl	Result
1958	Paul Dietzel	AP, Coaches	11–0	Sugar Bowl	LSU 7, Clemson 0
2003	Nick Saban	BCS, Coaches	13–1	Sugar Bowl	LSU 21, Oklahoma 14
2007	Les Miles	BCS, AP, Coaches	12–2	BCS National Title Game	LSU 38, Ohio State 24
Total national championships:				3

National championship game appearances

Since the BCS system came into existence in 1998, LSU has played in the national championship game three times, compiling a 2-1 record. All three of the Tigers' appearances have come in the Superdome in New Orleans.

Year	Coach	Selector	Record	Bowl	Result
2003	Nick Saban	BCS	13–1	Sugar Bowl	LSU 21, Oklahoma 14
2007	Les Miles	BCS	12–2	BCS National Title Game	LSU 38, Ohio State 24
2011	Les Miles	BCS	13-1	BCS National Title Game	Alabama 21, LSU 0
Total national championship game appearances:				3

Conference championships

LSU has won a total of fourteen conference championships in three different conferences. Since becoming a founding member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1933, LSU has won eleven conference championships.

Year	Conference	Coach	Overall Record	Conference Record
1896†	SIAA	Allen Jeardeau	6–0	4–0
1908	SIAA	Edgar R. Wingard	10–0	3–0
1932†	Southern	Biff Jones	6–3–1	4–0
1935	SEC	Bernie Moore	9–2–0	5–0
1936	SEC	Bernie Moore	9–1–1	6–0
1958	SEC	Paul Dietzel	11–0	6–0
1961†	SEC	Paul Dietzel	10–1	6–0
1970	SEC	Charles McClendon	9–3	5–0
1986	SEC	Bill Arnsparger	9–3	5–1
1988†	SEC	Mike Archer	8-4	6–1
2001	SEC	Nick Saban	10–3	5–3
2003	SEC	Nick Saban	13–1	7–1
2007	SEC	Les Miles	12–2	6–2
2011	SEC	Les Miles	13-1	8–0
Total conference championships:				14
† Denotes co-champions

Divisional championships

Since the SEC began divisional play in 1992, LSU has won or shared the SEC West title 8 times, and is 4–1 in the SEC Championship game.

Year	Division Championship	SEC CG Result	Opponent	PF	PA
1996†	SEC West	-	N/A (lost tiebreaker to Alabama)	N/A	N/A
1997†	SEC West	-	N/A (lost tiebreaker to Auburn)	N/A	N/A
2001†	SEC West	W	Tennessee	31	20
2002†	SEC West	-	N/A (lost tiebreaker to Arkansas)	N/A	N/A
2003†	SEC West	W	Georgia	34	13
2005†	SEC West	L	Georgia	14	34
2007	SEC West	W	Tennessee	21	14
2011	SEC West	W	Georgia	42	10
Totals	8	4–1	-	142	91
† Denotes co-champions

All-time record vs. SEC opponents through 2012

School	LSU Record	Streak	1st Meeting	Last Meeting
Alabama	25–47–5	Lost 2	1895	2012
Arkansas	36–20–2	Won 2	1901	2012
Auburn	26–20–1	Won 2	1901	2012
Florida	25–31–3	Lost 1	1937	2012
Georgia	16–12–1	Won 2	1928	2011
Kentucky	39–16–1	Won 1	1949	2011
Ole Miss	58–39–4	Won 3	1894	2012
Mississippi State	70–33–3	Won 13	1896	2012
Missouri	0–1–0	Lost 1	1978	1978
South Carolina	17–2–1	Won 5	1930	2012
Tennessee	9–20–3	Won 4	1925	2011
Texas A&M	28–20–3	Won 2	1899	2012
Vanderbilt	22–7–1	Won 7	1902	2010

2013 coaching staff

Name	Position
Les Miles	Head Coach
Cam Cameron	Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
John Chavis	Defensive Coordinator
Greg Studrawa	Offensive Line Coach
Brick Haley	Defensive Line Coach
Frank Wilson	Recruiting Coordinator/Running Backs Coach
Corey Raymond	Defensive Backs Coach
Steve Ensminger	Tight Ends Coach
Adam Henry	Wide Receivers Coach
Thomas McGaughey	Special Teams Coordinator
Tommy Moffitt	Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

Logos and uniforms

Jerseys

LSU has worn nearly the same jerseys since the inception of the program. The team has sported the traditional gold helmet with purple face mask, with white and purple stripes down the center and team logo on the side. LSU's jerseys for home games are white with purple and gold stripes on the shoulder, with purple numbers. Since the wearing of white jerseys has become a tradition for LSU football, the white jerseys are worn for both away games and home games (when allowed). The current style of jerseys were introduced by coach Paul Dietzel in 1957 with "TV" numerals on the shoulders. Those numbers were moved to the sleeves in 1959, where they have remained.

Pants

The team traditionally wears one style of pants, which are gold with white and purple trim. For a 1995 game at Kentucky, the Tigers wore purple pants, which had no stripes and a tiger head logo on the left thigh. LSU lost to the Wildcats 24–16 and the pants were auctioned off.

LSU has worn white pants on six occasions since 1996

• Three times with gold jerseys (vs. Vanderbilt in 1996, vs. Notre Dame in the 1997 Independence Bowl, and at Florida in 1998).
• Once with purple jerseys, in a 2007 game at Tulane to promote relief for Hurricane Katrina.
• Twice with white jerseys, in a 2009 game against Arkansas and 2011 game against Auburn for a Nike Pro Combat promotion.These uniforms were made to look like White Tigers

Helmets

From 1957 through 1971, LSU's helmets bore the jersey number of the player. In 1972, the first logo was introduced, a tiger head inside a purple circle. The current helmet logo was adopted in 1977.

In 1997, LSU wore White helmets in the Independence Bowl vs Notre Dame.

In 2007, LSU wore white helmets in a game against Tulane to promote relief for Hurricane Katrina.

In 2009, LSU wore "old" gold styled helmets in a game against Arkansas as part of a Nike Pro Combat promotion. The uniforms were donned "Couchon De Lait" which is cajun for pig roast. The name stemmed from LSU's cajun culture and the mascot of Arkansas being the razorbacks, a type of wild boar or pig.

In 2011 for a Nike Pro Combat promotion, the Tigers wore a white helmet with old gold and purple stripes to accompany a white uniform.

Seasons

• The Tigers did not field a team in 1918 due to World War I.

Bowl games

LSU has played in 44 bowl games, compiling a record of 22–21–1.

Season	Date	Bowl Game	Winner	Loser	W	L	T
1907	December 25, 1907	Bacardi Bowl	LSU 56*	Havana University 0	1	0	0
1935	January 1, 1936	Sugar Bowl	Texas Christian 3	LSU 2	1	1	0
1936	January 1, 1937	Sugar Bowl	Santa Clara (CA) 21	LSU 14	1	2	0
1937	January 1, 1938	Sugar Bowl	Santa Clara (CA) 6	LSU 0	1	3	0
1943	January 1, 1944	Orange Bowl	LSU 19	Texas A&M 14	2	3	0
1946	January 1, 1947	Cotton Bowl Classic	LSU 0	Arkansas 0	2	3	1
1949	January 2, 1950	Sugar Bowl	Oklahoma 35	LSU 0	2	4	1
1958	January 1, 1959	Sugar Bowl	LSU 7	Clemson 0	3	4	1
1959	January 1, 1960	Sugar Bowl	Ole Miss 21	LSU 0	3	5	1
1961	January 1, 1962	Orange Bowl	LSU 25	Colorado 7	4	5	1
1962	January 1, 1963	Cotton Bowl Classic	LSU 13	Texas 0	5	5	1
1963	December 21, 1963	Bluebonnet Bowl	Baylor 14	LSU 7	5	6	1
1964	January 1, 1965	Sugar Bowl	LSU 13	Syracuse 10	6	6	1
1965	January 1, 1966	Cotton Bowl Classic	LSU 14	Arkansas 7	7	6	1
1967	January 1, 1968	Sugar Bowl	LSU 20	Wyoming 14	8	6	1
1968	December 30, 1968	Peach Bowl	LSU 31	Florida State 27	9	6	1
1970	January 1, 1971	Orange Bowl	Nebraska 17	LSU 12	9	7	1
1971	December 18, 1971	Sun Bowl	LSU 35	Iowa State 15	10	7	1
1972	December 30, 1972	Bluebonnet Bowl	Tennessee 24	LSU 17	10	8	1
1973	January 1, 1974	Orange Bowl	Penn State 16	LSU 9	10	9	1
1977	December 31, 1977	Sun Bowl	Stanford 24	LSU 17	10	10	1
1978	December 23, 1978	Liberty Bowl	Missouri 20	LSU 15	10	11	1
1979	December 22, 1979	Tangerine Bowl	LSU 34	Wake Forest 10	11	11	1
1982	January 1, 1983	Orange Bowl	Nebraska 21	LSU 20	11	12	1
1984	January 1, 1985	Sugar Bowl	Nebraska 28	LSU 10	11	13	1
1985	December 27, 1985	Liberty Bowl	Baylor 21	LSU 7	11	14	1
1986	January 1, 1987	Sugar Bowl	Nebraska 30	LSU 15	11	15	1
1987	December 31, 1987	Gator Bowl	LSU 30	South Carolina 13	12	15	1
1988	January 2, 1989	Hall of Fame Bowl	Syracuse 23	LSU 10	12	16	1
1995	December 29, 1995	Independence Bowl	LSU 45	Michigan State 26	13	16	1
1996	December 28, 1996	Peach Bowl	LSU 10	Clemson 7	14	16	1
1997	December 28, 1997	Independence Bowl	LSU 27	Notre Dame 9	15	16	1
2000	December 29, 2000	Peach Bowl	LSU 28	Georgia Tech 14	16	16	1
2001	January 2, 2002	Sugar Bowl	LSU 47	Illinois 34	17	16	1
2002	January 1, 2003	Cotton Bowl Classic	Texas 35	LSU 20	17	17	1
2003	January 4, 2004	Sugar Bowl (BCS National Championship Game)	LSU 21	Oklahoma 14	18	17	1
2004	January 1, 2005	Capital One Bowl	Iowa 30	LSU 25	18	18	1
2005	December 30, 2005	Peach Bowl	LSU 40	Miami (FL) 3	19	18	1
2006	January 3, 2007	Sugar Bowl	LSU 41	Notre Dame 14	20	18	1
2007	January 7, 2008	BCS National Championship Game	LSU 38	Ohio State 24	21	18	1
2008	December 31, 2008	Chick-Fil-A Bowl	LSU 38	Georgia Tech 3	22	18	1
2009	January 1, 2010	Capital One Bowl	Penn State 19**	LSU 17	22	19	1
2010	January 7, 2011	Cotton Bowl Classic	LSU 41	Texas A&M 24	23	19	1
2011	January 9, 2012	BCS National Championship Game	Alabama 21	LSU 0	23	20	1
2012	December 31, 2012	Chick-Fil-A Bowl	Clemson 25	LSU 24	23	21	1
Totals		45			23	21	1

• *LSU does not count the victory against Havana University among its bowl wins.
• **Penn State vacated the win due to NCAA sanctions, however, this does not give LSU a victory.

Famous moments in LSU football history

One of LSU's four 2007 national championship trophies. Pictured is the AFCA National Championship Trophy

• 2012 - "BCS National Championship Game"- For the first time in BCS National Championship history, two SEC teams, the #1 LSU Tigers and the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide, faced each other in the National Championship Game. Alabama won the game, 21-0. The SEC-only title game added impetus to the push for a national playoff system and hastened the death of the BCS system as implemented up to that time.
• 2011 - "The Game of the Century" - The ninth regulation game of the season for LSU found the #1 nationally ranked Tigers against the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide in a match called the "Game of the Century" or the "Matchup of the Year". Both teams were undefeated and both teams were coming off a bye week; viewed as important to the BCS Championship game as the "inside track" by many sportswriters, the press built up the game in a Super Bowl-style atmosphere. Ultimately, the game came down to field position and a series of field goals as the top-ranked defense of both teams prevented any touchdowns. Alabama missed three field goals and a fourth was blocked during regulation, leading to a 6-6 tie heading into overtime. On the first possession of OT, Alabama again missed a field goal from 52 yards out, only to watch LSU earn the win on the next possession with a chip-shot field goal. As a result, it's the second-lowest scoring matchup between #1 and #2 teams in the history of the NCAA, with a 9-6 decision.
• 2010 – Last Ditch in Death Valley – In the 5th game of the 2010 season, undefeated #12 LSU trailed the Volunteers 14 – 10 with 0:04 left on the clock and the ball spotted on the Tennessee 2 yard line. On 3rd & Goal, after a failed QB sneak attempt and with time disappearing off the clock, LSU attempted to send in several players for a substitution package. Seeing that the time was about to expire, Center T-Bob Hebert snapped the ball before Jefferson was ready, the ball was fumbled, Jefferson was tackled, and the clock expired. On further review, Tennessee was penalized half the distance to the goalline for illegal participation. Amid the confusion in the waning seconds, Tennessee coaches sent 4 players onto the field when they saw LSU make a substitution. Only 2 players then left the field, leaving the Vols with 13 players lined up on defense. Due to the penalty, LSU got the ball back for a single untimed play on the 1 yard line. With their last play, LSU's Stevan Ridley received the toss sweep, charging forward, only to be hit near the line of scrimmage, but continued to drive forward through two Tennessee defenders and into the endzone for the game winning score – final score LSU 16, Tennessee 14.

• 2008 – The Comeback – The Tigers trailed in a makeup game from Hurricane Gustav 31–3 midway through the third quarter against Troy. The Bayou Bengals came back with 37 consecutive points and rallied to win 40–31.
• 2008 – 2008 BCS National Championship Game – #2 LSU defeats #1 Ohio State University in the BCS national championship 38–24, becoming the first school to win two BCS national championship titles and improving their BCS record to 4–0, the best of any team. They also became the first two loss team to ever play in the BCS national championship.
• 2007 – The Greatest Game Ever Played – #2 LSU played what was hyped as one of the most important games of the 2007 season against #9 Florida. The game is also known for the LSU students leaving thousands of messages on the phone of Florida quarterback, Tim Tebow, prompting him to give a "telephone" hand gesture to the LSU student section following an early touchdown. Florida began the fourth quarter with a 24–14 lead, but behind solid defense and being a perfect 5 for 5 on fourth down conversions, the Tigers were able to take the lead 28–24 with 1:06 left in the game after a Jacob Hester touchdown to defeat the Gators.
• 2006 – LSU vs Tennessee – QB JaMarcus Russell completes a touchdown pass to WR Early Doucet with 9 seconds to go to beat Tennessee in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville after a breakout performance by Tennessee backup QB Jonathan Crompton.
• 2004 – Sugar Bowl – LSU becomes the BCS national champion by defeating Oklahoma 21–14.
• 2002 – "The Bluegrass Miracle" – #16 LSU survived an upset bid from unranked Kentucky by winning the game 33–30 on a miraculous 75-yard Hail Mary pass as time expired. Kentucky fans, believing they had won, had already rushed the field and torn down one goal post.
• 2001 – SEC Championship Game – #21 LSU staged an upset victory over #2 Tennessee, winning 31–20. The victory earned LSU a spot in its first Sugar Bowl since 1986, and knocked the Volunteers out of national title contention.
• 2000 – Goodbye Goalposts - In head coach Nick Saban's first season, LSU returned to national prominence by beating #11 Tennessee in overtime 38-31 on ESPN after which the goal posts were torn down for only the 2nd time in the history of Tiger Stadium. The victory over Tennessee also marked the first time that LSU played in an overtime game at home. And just a few weeks, later the goals posts were again ripped down as LSU beat Alabama 30-28 on CBS in Baton Rouge for the first time in 31 years. This was the 3rd and final time that the goal posts came down in Death Valley.

LSU Tigers football team bus at New Orleans Marriott viewed from Sheraton New Orleans

• 1997 – #1 Ranked Florida Taken Down by LSU – After nine straight losses to Steve Spurrier-led Florida, #14 LSU shocked the #1-ranked defending national champion Gators 28–21 in Tiger Stadium, making the cover of Sports Illustrated. It was the first time LSU beat a #1 ranked team and the first time the goalposts were ever torn down in Tiger Stadium.
• 1995 – Bring Back The Magic Game – Wearing its white jerseys at home in Tiger Stadium for the first time since 1982, LSU upset #5 Auburn, winning the game 12–6 as LSU DB Troy Twillie intercepted Auburn QB Patrick Nix's 11-yard pass into the end zone with no time remaining. This game marked a return to national significance in head coach Gerry DiNardo's first season.
• 1988 – "The Earthquake Game" – Unranked LSU staged a near literal earth-shattering upset victory over #4 Auburn in Tiger Stadium, winning the game 7–6 with 1:41 remaining on a TD pass from QB Tommy Hodson to TB Eddie Fuller. The reaction of the crowd was so immense that it registered as an earthquake on a seismograph in LSU’s Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex.
• 1982 – Shut-down of Bear Bryant's last offense – LSU defeated Alabama 20–10 in Birmingham during Bear's last game against LSU. Bear retired a month later, at end of season, {& died two months later} but during his post-game interviews, Coach Bryant acknowledged LSU's defense as being so impressive as for him to call that game "an old-fashioned butt-whipping" after LSU's Defense had held 'Bama to just 80-yards of total offense, lowest offensive production in 'Bama history. Later that week, LSU's defensive front seven of Melancon & Joiner {OLB}, Marshall, Elko & Dardar {DL}, Richardson & Williams {ILB} were named "AP Sportswriters' Defensive Player of the Week", first time an entire front-seven unit was so named. The LSU Secondary of Britt, Hobley, Dale & Clark were instrumental in the shutdown but were not included in the AP honor {why not AP?}.
• 1972 – Jones to Davis - "The Night The Clock Stopped" – #6 LSU survived an upset bid from unranked Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium by winning the game on a TD pass from QB Bert Jones to RB Brad Davis. Ole Miss fans say the 1972 contest featured a few seconds of free football. The Tigers trailed the Rebels 16–10 with four seconds to play. After a lengthy incompletion by Jones, the game clock still showed one second remaining. The Tigers used the precious second to win the game on the "last play," 17–16. A song was written to commemorate the game, called "One Second Blues", (track #11) which is featured on the CD "Hey Fightin' Tigers". The alleged home-clock advantage inspired a sign at the Louisiana state line (as you left Mississippi) reading, "You are now entering Louisiana. Set your clocks back four seconds." For that year, the Ole Miss yearbook reported the score for the game as "Ole Miss 16, LSU 10 + 7 ".
• 1966 – Cotton Bowl Classic – Unranked LSU upset #2 Arkansas, winning the game 14–7 and snapping Arkansas' 22-game winning streak.
• 1960 – Sugar Bowl – On Jan 1, 1960, one of the most anticipated rematches in college football history took place. This game, however, would not be the classic that transpired only weeks before. (When LSU upset the Rebels 7-3 in Baton Rouge) Ole Miss dominated the game from start to finish and came away with a decisive 21-0 win over the Tigers. LSU finished the season having only given up 29 points. While the Rebels only allowed their opponents 21 points the entire year. No one team scored on Ole Miss' first team defense.
  • TEAM STATS: First Downs OLE MISS 19 LSU 6, Rushing OLE MISS 51-140 LSU 32-(-15), Passing OLE MISS 15-27-2 LSU 9-25-1, Passing Yards OLE MISS 223 LSU 89, Total Offense OLE MISS 78-363 LSU 57-74, Punting OLE MISS 6-37.5 LSU 12-34.3, Fumbles-Lost OLE MISS 4-2 LSU 2-0 Penalties-YDS OLE MISS 7-65 LSU 4-30
• 1959 – Billy Cannon's Halloween Night Run – Late in the game between #1 LSU and #3 Ole Miss, LSU was trailing 3–0. Then Billy Cannon returned a punt 89 yards for a TD, breaking seven tackles. The Rebels then drove down the field but were stopped on the LSU 1 yard line as the game ended resulting in a 7–3 victory for LSU in Tiger Stadium.
• 1959 – Sugar Bowl – #1 LSU wins the 1958 national championship, beating #12 Clemson 7–0. The only score was a pass from Billy Cannon to freshman Mickey Mangham, one of the smallest players on the team. The game was played at the old Tulane University stadium in New Orleans.
• October 3, 1931 - LSU Plays very first night game in Tiger Stadium.
• November 25, 1924 - First Game played at Tiger Stadium.
• 1914 - LSU's largest loss margin came on October 31, 1914 in a game against Texas A&M in Dallas, Texas. The final score was Texas A&M 63, LSU 9.
• 1908 - LSU 10-0 Doc Fenton leads LSU to its very first National Championship. This National Championship title, awarded by the National Championship Foundation, is not claimed by LSU. This season also lead to an SIAA football co-championship. LSU's largest ever margin of victory (to date) came against Baylor University in a home game for LSU at State Field on November 10, 1908 in Baton Rouge. The final score was LSU 89, Baylor 0.
• October 26, 1895 - LSU 1st Win in Baton Rouge.
• November 30, 1894 - LSU achieves its first victory in a football game. LSU beats Natchez AC 26-0. Samuel Marmaduke Dinwidie Clark has the honor of scoring the very first touchdown in LSU history.
• November 25, 1893 - LSU plays first football game in school history.

Rivals

Tulane Green Wave

See also: Battle for the Rag

LSU's oldest rival is Tulane; the first LSU-Tulane football game was played in 1893 and for the first fifty or so years of Tiger football, no team was more hated by LSU fans than the Green Wave. The series, in which they battle for the Tiger Rag, was played continuously from 1919 to 1994. The intrastate rivalry featured two teams which were geographically close (Baton Rouge and New Orleans are roughly 80 miles (130 km) apart) and drew on socio-political tensions between the state's capital and seat of government and its biggest and most culturally important city. As opponents in the SIAA, Southern Conference and SEC, the Tulane rivalry flourished for many years but slowly declined after Tulane left the SEC and de-emphasized athletics. Until 1949, the series was very competitive, with LSU leading 23–18–5; since 1949, LSU has dominated, going 45–4–2. The two teams renewed the annual series in 2006 and ended it again after the 2009 meeting.

Ole Miss Rebels

See also: Magnolia Bowl

LSU's traditional SEC rival is Ole Miss. Throughout the fifties and sixties, games between the two schools featured highly ranked squads on both sides and seemingly every contest had conference, and at times national, title implications. A trophy has now been named for the LSU-Ole Miss rivalry known as the "Magnolia Bowl". Recently, the second to last regular season game has been between these two colleges. There is still a strong rivalry between both schools.

From 1961 through 1988, LSU did not play on the Ole Miss campus in Oxford, Mississippi. Instead, all of the Rebels' home dates in the series were contested at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson. LSU and Ole Miss played at Oxford in 1989 for the first time in 29 seasons, then moved the series permanently to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in 1994 after the 1991 and 1992 contests returned to Jackson.

Auburn Tigers

See also: Tiger Bowl

While Auburn's rivalries against Alabama and Georgia may overshadow its rivalry with LSU, in recent years, LSU's biggest rival has been the Auburn Tigers. The two share more than just a nickname, as they have both enjoyed success in the SEC's Western Division and plenty of memorable match ups. Either Auburn or LSU has won at least a share of the SEC Western Division championship for eight of the last eleven years. The home team won every game from 2000 through 2007, until visiting LSU defeated Auburn in 2008. Both the 2007 and 2008 games saw LSU win dramatic, come-from-behind victories with last minute touchdown passes. The game between the two rivals has no official name or trophy, but is unofficially referred to by fans and sports commentators as the "Tiger Bowl".

Alabama Crimson Tide

See also: Alabama–LSU football rivalry

LSU and Alabama have played every year since the 1960s, with Alabama holding a historic edge in the series, 46–25–5. Many trace the origins of the rivalry back to a 15-game undefeated streak Alabama had in Tiger Stadium, which is generally considered to be one of the most hostile atmospheres in college football. While their rivalries against Auburn and Tennessee may overshadow their rivalry with LSU, the significance of this rivalry increased after Alabama hired former LSU coach Nick Saban in 2007. The bitterness and vitriol has increased over the last couple of years. The LSU-Alabama rivalry continues after the November 5, 2011 game and the 2012 National Championship where the two teams faced off.

Arkansas Razorbacks

See also: Arkansas–LSU football rivalry

The Golden Boot trophy is awarded to the annual winner of the Arkansas-LSU football game.

After the Razorbacks left the Southwest Conference in 1990, Arkansas joined the SEC in 1991 and began a yearly rivalry with LSU. Spurred by both the SEC and the schools, LSU and Arkansas have developed a more intense football rivalry. The winner takes home the Golden Boot, a trophy in the shape of the states of Arkansas and Louisiana that resembles a boot. The trophy was created by the SEC to try to help develop fan and player interest in the new rivalry. The game, played the day after Thanksgiving until the 2010 season, is usually the last regular season game for each team and is broadcast on CBS. In 2002, the rivalry gained momentum as the game winner would represent the Western Division of the SEC in the SEC Championship Game. Arkansas won the exciting game on a last second touchdown pass by Matt Jones. In 2006, the Razorbacks, who had already clinched the SEC Western Division and were on a 10-game winning streak, were beaten by LSU in Little Rock. In 2007, Arkansas stunned top-ranked LSU in triple overtime, giving them their first win in Baton Rouge since 1993, and again defended the Golden Boot trophy with a last minute touchdown drive in 2008. A 15th ranked LSU would win back the trophy for the first time in two years in 2009 after Razorback kicker Alex Tejeda missed a field goal that would have sent the game into a second overtime, solidifying LSU's record as the third best in the SEC as well as a position to go to the Capital One Bowl. The LSU Tigers were defeated at Little Rock in 2010, with Arkansas winning 31–23 which sent the Razobacks to their first-ever BCS appearance at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. In 2011, the #1 ranked Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 41-17 in Tiger Stadium, after overcoming a 14-0 deficit.

Florida Gators

See also: Florida–LSU football rivalry

Although both universities were founding members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in December 1932, the Gators and Tigers did not meet on the gridiron for the first time until 1937. LSU is Florida's permanent inter-divisional rival. LSU has played Florida every year since 1971. Florida leads the series 31–25–3. The longest winning streak in the LSU–Florida series is held by Florida, with nine victories from 1988 to 1996. LSU's longest winning streak is four, from 1977 to 1980. The winner of the Florida-LSU game has gone on to win the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) national championship game from 2006-2008. Some of the notable games in this rivalry include the 1960: Wristband Robbery, 1964: Hurricane Delay, 1972: Flooded Swamp, 1989: College Football's First Overtime Game, 1997: LSU's Revenge, 2006: Tebow Domination, and 2007: 5 for 5 on fourth down.

With a few exceptions, this rivalry has been known for close games in recent years, with both teams usually coming into the match-up highly ranked. The Gators and Tigers have combined to win five national championships and eleven SEC titles over the past two decades.

Texas A&M Aggies

Main article: LSU–Texas A&M football rivalry

Texas A&M is LSU's ninth oldest collegiate-football rivalry. LSU leads the series 28-20-3. The Tigers and Aggies have faced each other in two bowl games. LSU won the January 1, 1944, Orange Bowl 19–14 and LSU won the January 7, 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic 41-24. From 1945-1988 was the most dominant span by either team in the series history. LSU was 20-5-1 vs Texas A&M during this span. LSU won the first ever SEC matchup between the two teams 24-19 at Kyle Field. It currently has been 18 years since Texas A&M has defeated LSU in a football game.

Other SEC opponents

LSU has played Mississippi State more often than any other opponent. However, the series is hardly considered a rivalry, as the Tigers hold a commanding lead and have won 13 consecutive games in the series and 20 of 21 since 1992. Until the 1970s, the game was played far more often in Baton Rouge to allow MSU to reap the benefits of the larger gate at Tiger Stadium, which seated 67,500 at the time, more than twice the 32,500 of Scott Field in Starkville; MSU usually moved its home games in the series to Jackson until its on-campus stadium was expanded in the 1980s. The 2011 matchup marked the first time both teams were rated coming into the game (#3 LSU, #25 MSU). LSU won at Starkville 19–6.

LSU and Kentucky played every year between 1949 and 2001, but the yearly meeting was ended when the SEC changed its scheduling format in 2002. Longtime LSU coach Charles McClendon (1962–79) was an All-American at Kentucky from 1948–51 under legendary coach Bear Bryant, and Tiger coaches Paul Dietzel and Bill Arnsparger were also assistants with the Wildcats. LSU has generally dominated the series, although Kentucky won the second to last meeting, ousting the then-No. 1 Tigers 43–37 in triple overtime in 2007 at Lexington. In the previous game at Lexington in 2002, the Tigers won 33–30 on the Bluegrass Miracle, a 75-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Randall to Devery Henderson on the last play of the game. The #1 ranked Tigers defeated Kentucky in the 2011 season 35-7.

Traditions

An LSU cheerleader cheers on the team during a game against South Carolina in 2007. Cheerleaders are a part of the pageantry of college football.

Geaux Tigers — A common cheer for all LSU athletics, Geaux Tigers, pronounced "Go Tigers", is derived from a common ending in French Cajun names, -eaux. Acknowledging the state’s French heritage, it is common for fans to issue LSU newcomers an endearing “French” name. Intended to be more humorous than grammatically correct, coaches are especially targeted. Gerry DiNardo became “Dinardeaux”, Nick Saban became “Nick C’est Bon”.

Tailgating — LSU football fans from every corner of the region, well over ninety thousand, descend on the Baton Rouge campus for every home game; setting up motor homes and tents for one of Louisiana's biggest parties after Mardi Gras. Visiting team supporters are heckled and LSU fans chant "Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait!", often inciting confrontations between hot-headed followers. Visitors to Baton Rouge who take the jeers and jaunts with a sporting disposition will be invited to join in on the party, the drink, the regional cajun cuisine, the spirit of Saturday night in Baton Rouge, and the vibrant tradition of LSU football.

March Down The Hill – The LSU players, coaches, cheerleaders, Mike the Tiger, and finally The Golden Band from Tigerland march down the hill between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (AKA, the PMAC) prior to each game. Thousands of fans line up on both sides of the road to watch and cheer for their beloved Tigers. The band plays their drum cadence while marching and just before entering the stadium, "Pregame" is played.

The LSU Band's Pregame Show — The LSU pregame show was created in 1964, and revised over the next nine years into its current format. The marching band lines up along the end zone shortly before kick off. Then the band strikes up a drum cadence and begins to spread out evenly across the field. When the front of the band reaches the center of the field, the band stops and begins to play an arrangement of "Pregame" (Hold that Tiger). While it does this, the band turns to salute the fans in all four corners of the stadium. Then the band, resuming its march across the field, begins playing "Touchdown for LSU." At this point, the LSU crowd chants "L-S-U, L-S-U, L-S-U..."

White Jerseys — LSU is notable as one of the few college football teams that wears white jerseys for home games as opposed to their darker jerseys (in their case, purple). Most other NCAA football teams wear their darker jerseys in home games, even though football is one of the few college sports that do not require a specific jersey type for each respective team (for instance, college basketball requires home teams to wear white or light-colored jerseys while the away team wears their darker jerseys), and is similar to the NFL in letting the home team decide what to wear.

The tradition started in 1958, when Coach Paul Dietzel decided that LSU would wear white jerseys for the home games. LSU went on to win the national championship that year. Since then, LSU continued to wear white jerseys at home games through the 18-year tenure of Charles McClendon. Then in 1983, new NCAA rules prohibited teams from wearing white jerseys at home. Because of this, LSU wore purple jerseys during home games from 1983 to 1994. The team's fans believed wearing purple jerseys brought bad luck to the team and complained often from 1983 and through the 1994 seasons, although LSU won SEC championships in 1986 and 1988 wearing purple at home. In 1993, then-coach Curley Hallman asked the NCAA for permission to wear white jerseys at home during LSU's football centennial, but was turned down.

In 1995, LSU's new coach, Gerry DiNardo, was determined to restore LSU's tradition of white home jerseys. DiNardo personally met with each member of the NCAA Football Rules Committee, lobbying LSU's case. DiNardo was successful, and LSU again began wearing white jerseys at home when the 1995 season began. In LSU's first home game with the white jerseys, unranked LSU prevailed in a 12–6 upset victory over #6 Auburn. In 2000, LSU's new coach, Nick Saban, altered the tradition of the white home jerseys: now LSU only wears white jerseys for the home opener and for home games against SEC opponents. Saban's successor, Les Miles, has continued this pattern. For non-SEC home games other than the home opener, LSU wears purple jerseys at home.

The rule allowing LSU to wear white at home has one stipulation: the visiting team must agree for non-conference games. On two occasions, LSU was forced to wear colored jerseys at home. The first time was in 1996 against Vanderbilt, who was still angry at LSU for hiring Gerry DiNardo, who left Vanderbilt to become LSU's head coach after the 1994 season. LSU wore gold jerseys for that game (a 35–0 LSU victory), and fans were encouraged to wear white in an effort to "white out" the Commodores. The next season, the SEC amended its rule to allow the home team its choice of jersey color for conference games without prior approval of the visiting team.

In 1998 and 2000, Florida coach Steve Spurrier exercised this option and forced LSU to don a colored jersey at Gainesville. The Tigers wore gold in 1998 under Gerry DiNardo (lost 22–10) and purple in 2000 under Nick Saban (lost 41–9).

In 2007 and 2009, LSU wore its purple jerseys at Mississippi State, but the Tigers emerged victorious both times (45–0 in 2007 and 30–26 in 2009). In 1978, the purple jersey jinx bit the Tigers in a game against State at Jackson.

In 2004, Oregon State did not want to suffer in its black jerseys in the humid weather of Louisiana in late summer, forcing LSU to wear its purple jerseys for a nationally-televsied game on ESPN. However, by this time, LSU had worn its purple jerseys at home several times under Saban.

In 2009, the NCAA relaxed its rule that previously required most away teams to wear white. The rule now states that teams must simply wear contrasting colors.

Chinese Bandits – Whenever LSU forces a turnover or gets the ball back via a defensive stop, the LSU band plays the Chinese Bandits tune. Tiger fans bow to the defense while the tune is played. The term "Chinese Bandits" originated as the nickname that LSU Coach Paul Dietzel gave to the defensive unit he organized in 1958, which helped LSU to win its first national championship. The next season, the 1959 Chinese Bandit defense held their opponents to an average of only 143.2 yards per game. No LSU defense since has done better.

Geaux to Hell Ole Miss — When LSU is playing their rival, Ole Miss, LSU fans shout "Geaux to Hell Ole Miss. Geaux to hell" frequently, and signs with the same saying can be seen throughout the stadium. Ole Miss fans typically respond with "Go to hell, LSU!" Legend has it this was started prior to the 1959 contest when Coach Paul Dietzel, trying to motivate his troops, hired a plane to litter the LSU campus with flyers saying, "Go to Hell, LSU!" When word of this reached Oxford, Johnny Vaught, not to be outdone, responded in kind by littering the Ole Miss campus with flyers saying, "Go to Hell, Ole Miss!" Saturday night, 30 minutes prior to kickoff, Tiger Stadium was already packed with the crowd split down the middle between Tigers and Rebels. Each set of fans were shouting at the top of their lungs to the other, "Go to Hell!" The tradition has stuck ever since.

Hot boudin – LSU's famous cheer before games and during about famous food in Louisiana. It goes " Hot boudin, cold coush-coush, come on tigers, push push push." Push is pronounced poosh to rhyme with coush-coush [koosh-koosh]. Coush-coush is a Cajun dish generally served for breakfast.

H style goal posts — LSU's Tiger Stadium sports "H" style goal posts, as opposed to the more modern "Y" style used by most other schools today. This "H" style allows the team to run through the goal post in the north endzone when entering the field.

Yard lines — Tiger Stadium also is notable for putting all yard line numbers on the field, not just those that are multiples of 10. However, the 10-yard-line numbers are the only numbers that get directional arrows, as the rules make no provision for 5-yard-line numbers.

Tiger Bait – LSU fans will yell "Tiger Bait, Tiger Bait" at visiting fans who wear their team colors.

First Down cheer – When the Tigers earn a first down, the Golden Band from Tigerland plays the "Geaux Tigers" cheer. The band also has a specific cheer for second and third downs.

Hall of Famers

The following LSU players and coaches are members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Players

Player	Pos.	Career	Induction
Doc Fenton	QB & E	1904–1909	1979
Abe "Miracle" Mickal	RB	1933–1935	1967
Gaynell "Gus" Tinsley	E	1934–1936	1956
Ken Kavanaugh	E	1937–1939	1963
Billy Cannon	HB	1957–1959	2008
Tommy Casanova	CB	1969–1971	1995
Jerry Stovall	HB	1960–1962	2011

Coaches

Coach	Years	Induction
Dana X. Bible	1916	1951
Michael "Iron Mike" Donahue	1923–1927	1951
Lawrence "Biff" Jones	1932–1934	1954
Bernie Moore	1935–1947	1954
Charlie "Cholly Mac" McClendon	1962–1979	1986

Individual award winners

Players

• Heisman Trophy

Billy Cannon – 1959

• The WCFF All-Century Team

Tommy Casanova – 1969 to 1971

• Dave Rimington Trophy

Ben Wilkerson – 2004

• Draddy Trophy

Rudy Niswanger – 2005

• Fred Biletnikoff Award

Josh Reed – 2001

• Wuerffel Trophy

Rudy Niswanger – 2005

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Glenn Dorsey – 2007

• Lombardi Award

Glenn Dorsey – 2007

• Outland Trophy

Glenn Dorsey – 2007

• Lott Trophy

Glenn Dorsey – 2007

• Jim Thorpe Award

Patrick Peterson – 2010

Morris Claiborne – 2011

• Chuck Bednarik Award

Patrick Peterson – 2010

Tyrann Mathieu – 2011

Coaches

• Paul "Bear" Bryant Award

Paul Dietzel – 1959

Nick Saban – 2003

• Home Depot Coach of the Year

Les Miles – 2011

• AP Coach of the Year

Les Miles – 2011

• Walter Camp Coach of the Year

Jerry Stovall – 1982

Les Miles – 2011

Heisman Trophy voting history

Year	Player	Place	Votes
1958	Billy Cannon	3rd	975
1959	Billy Cannon	1st	1,929
1962	Jerry Stovall	2nd	618
1972	Bert Jones	4th	351
1977	Charles Alexander	9th	54
1978	Charles Alexander	5th	282
2007	Glenn Dorsey	9th	30
2011	Tyrann Mathieu	5th	327

Retired numbers

No.	Player	Pos.	Career	Year No. Retired
20	Billy Cannon	RB	1957-59	1959
37	Tommy Casanova	DB	1969-71	2009

LSU All-Americans

Name	Position	Years at LSU	All-America
			AP	WCFF	AFCA	FWAA	TSN
Nacho Albergamo	C		1987	1987	1987	1987	1987
Charles Alexander	RB			1977; 1978	1977; 1978	1977; 1978	1977; 1978
Mike Anderson	LB		1970; 1971		1970; 1971	1970; 1971
George Bevan	LB				1969	1969
Will Blackwell	OL	2008–2011					2011
Michael Brooks	LB		1985
Billy Cannon	RB	1957–1959	1958; 1959	1958; 1959	1958; 1959	1958; 1959	1958; 1959
Warren Capone	LB				1972; 1973	1972; 1973
Tommy Casanova	DB		1969; 1970; 1971	1969; 1970; 1971	1969; 1970; 1971	1969; 1970; 1971
Morris Claiborne	CB	2009–2011	2011	2011	2011	2011	2011
Wendell Davis	WR				1987	1986; 1987	1986; 1987
Glenn Dorsey	DT	2004–2007	2006; 2007	2007	2006; 2007	2007	2007
Ronnie Estay	DT				1971
Alan Faneca	OL		1997	1997		1997	1997
Kevin Faulk	RB	1995–1998	1996
Sid Fournet	T		1954	1954	1954	1954
Max Fugler	C					1958
John Garlington	E	1964–1967			1967
Bradie James	LB				2002		2002
Josh Jasper	K	2007–2010				2010	2010
Herman Johnson	T	2004-2008	2008
Bert Jones	QB				1972		1972
Ken Kavanaugh	E		1939
Chad Kessler	P		1997	1997	1997		1997
Tyler Lafauci	G		1973	1973
David LaFleur	TE			1996
LaRon Landry	S	2003–2006	2006		2006
Chad Lavalais	DT		2003	2003		2003	2003
Tyrann Mathieu	CB	2010–2011	2011	2011		2011	2011
Todd McClure	C	1995–1998			1998
Anthony McFarland	DT		1998
Fred Miller	T					1962
Sam Montgomery	DE	2010–2011				2011
Stephen Peterman	G	2000–2003					2003
Patrick Peterson	CB	2008–2010	2010	2010	2010	2010	2010
Josh Reed	WR	1998–2001	2001	2001		2001	2001
George Rice	T						1965
Lance Smith	OL				1984
Marcus Spears	DE		2004	2004	2004
Craig Steltz	S	2004–2007	2007	2007		2007
Jerry Stovall	RB		1962	1962	1962	1962	1962
Jim Taylor	RB					1957
Gaynell Tinsley	E		1935; 1936	1935; 1936
Corey Webster	CB				2003; 2004		2004
Ben Wilkerson	C				2004		2004
Mike Williams	DB				1974		1974
Brad Wing	P	2011	2011
Roy Winston	G		1961	1961	1961	1961	1961

Head coaches

Main article: List of LSU Tigers head football coaches

LSU has had 32 head coaches since it began play during the 1893 season, and since January 2005, Les Miles has served as head coach. Charles McClendon is the leader in seasons coached and games won, with 137 victories during his 18 years with the program. Allen Jeardeau has the highest winning percentage of those who have coached more than one game, with .875. Of the 32 different head coaches who have led the Tigers, Dana X. Bible, Mike Donahue, Biff Jones, Bernie Moore, Jerry Stovall and McClendon have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Poll history

Associated Press Poll History The AP Poll began in 1936. Year AP Pre-Season Ranking AP Final Ranking 1936 13 2 1937 6 8 1938 NR 1939 NR 1940 NR 1941 NR 1942 NR 1943 NR 1944 NR 1945 15 1946 8 1947 NR 1948 NR 1949 9 1950 NR 1951 NR 1952 NR 1953 NR 1954 NR 1955 NR 1956 NR 1957 NR 1958 1 1959 1 3 1960 NR 1961 5 4 1962 5 7 1963 NR 1964 7 1965 8 8 1966 NR 1967 NR 1968 18 19 1969 10 1970 12 7 1971 9 11 1972 11 11 1973 16 13 1974 9 NR 1975 NR 1976 NR 1977 NR 1978 13 NR 1979 NR 1980 NR 1981 NR 1982 11 1983 12 NR 1984 15 1985 13 20 1986 15 10 1987 6 5 1988 18 19 1989 7 NR 1990 NR 1991 NR 1992 NR 1993 NR 1994 NR 1995 NR 1996 19 12 1997 10 13 1998 9 NR 1999 NR 2000 22 2001 14 7 2002 14 NR 2003 14 2 2004 4 16 2005 5 6 2006 8 3 2007 2 1 2008 7 NR 2009 11 17 2010 21 8 2011 4 2 NR = Not Ranked N/A = Not Available

Coaches Poll History The Coaches' Poll began in 1950. Year Coaches Pre-Season Ranking Coaches Final Ranking 1950 NR 1951 NR 1952 NR 1953 NR 1954 NR 1955 NR 1956 NR 1957 NR 1958 1 1959 3 1960 NR 1961 3 1962 8 1963 NR 1964 7 1965 14 1966 NR 1967 NR 1968 NR 1969 7 1970 6 1971 10 1972 10 1973 14 1974 NR 1975 NR 1976 NR 1977 NR 1978 NR 1979 NR 1980 NR 1981 NR 1982 11 1983 NR 1984 16 1985 20 1986 11 1987 5 1988 NR 1989 NR 1990 NR 1991 NR 1992 NR 1993 NR 1994 NR 1995 25 1996 13 1997 13 1998 NR 1999 NR 2000 NR 2001 8 2002 13 NR 2003 15 1 2004 3 16 2005 6 5 2006 9 3 2007 2 1 2008 6 NR 2009 9 17 2010 16 8 2011 4 2 NR = Not Ranked N/A = Not Available

Future Non-Conference Opponents

2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
vs TCU*	vs UL-Monroe	vs Jacksonville State	vs Southern Miss	vs NC State	at Oklahoma	vs Oklahoma	at NC State
vs UAB	vs Georgia Southern	vs Arizona State	at Arizona State
vs Furman		vs Eastern Michigan	vs South Alabama
vs Kent State			vs Western Kentucky

* 2013 game against TCU will be played in Arlington, TX.

See also

• LSU Tigers
• Louisiana State University
• Bengal Punch

External links

• Official website